Shelton Police Lieutenant Robert Kozlowsky speaks at a press conference on Monday, March 17, 2014 as police investigate a shooting of 15 year old Kristjan Ndoj on Saturday night. Shelton High School's headmaster, Dr. Beth Smith stands right. less

Shelton Police Lieutenant Robert Kozlowsky speaks at a press conference on Monday, March 17, 2014 as police investigate a shooting of 15 year old Kristjan Ndoj on Saturday night. Shelton High School's ... more

Photo: BK Angeletti, B.K. Angeletti

$50,000 reward offered in killing of Shelton teen

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The $50,000 reward announced Thursday for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the homicide of a Shelton teen could provide "the piece of the puzzle'' needed to solve the killing.

"The family is very grateful for the state to release funds," said their lawyer, Michael Boynton. "They are hopeful this will lead to a break in the case."

Boynton added that he is confident there will be additional money for a reward raised from private sources, but would not specify from where or how much.

Detectives have strong leads in the fatal shooting of Kristjan Ndoj, 15, said Lt. J. Paul Vance, state police spokesman. Ndoj, who moved to the lower Naugatuck Valley from Albania with his family, was gunned down in the driveway of friend's home on March 15.

"The case is progressing and we're looking for a piece of the puzzle that will give us the complete picture'' and allow investigators to seek an arrest warrant, Vance said.

"I want to thank the governor for approving our request for a reward," Lawlor said. "Hopefully, this will generate information that will lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of whoever committed this horrific crime."

Ndoj died March 20 -- five days after the shooting. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide.

Shelton police are assisting the state police Central District Major Crime Squad in the investigation.

Lt. Robert Kozlowsky, the Shelton police spokesman, did not return a reporter's phone call on Thursday.

Ndoj and Antonio Gjaci, a friend from the same area of Albania, rode their bikes down the River Road and up Agawam Trail to meet some other teens. About 8:45 p.m., two shots were fired from a wooded area and struck Ndoj in the head and leg, dropping him onto a driveway at 1 Agawam Trail.

The shooting may have involved trouble over a teenage girl, according to sources.

"It's crazy -- this never happens," said Ishan Patel, whose father owns the Wooster Street Market in Shelton. "Usually when it does they find the person right away."

Patel said he hopes the money will help find a suspect, for the ease of the family.

"I feel bad for the family," said Patel. "They need to know who did it."